United have now blown race wide open for ‘magnificent’ midfielder who is currently mulling over Old Trafford move

Despite reports only a fortnight ago claiming Youssouf Fofana was ‘virtually an AC Milan player’, the Frenchman could begin the new season in Manchester United colours.

Indeed, the Red Devils have entered the fold and presented an ‘ambitious’ proposal to Fofana, who has been prioritising a move to Milan over any other interested suitors.

However, it’s now believed that he would be open to putting his preferences aside and signing for United, assuming Milan and Monaco are unable to reach an agreement imminently.

Manchester United are now looking to beat Milan in the move for Youssouf Fofana and the race is still very much open, reports @lucabianchin7.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The Frenchman would be interested in a move to Utdhttps://t.co/9hoUqzSiyh

— Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) August 6, 2024

It comes after David Ornstein confirmed on Monday that INEOS chiefs had put their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte on ice due to Paris Saint-Germain’s price demands; they valued the midfielder at £51.3 million, which is what they forked out for him only a year ago.

Read more: Seven Manuel Ugarte alternatives Manchester United should consider – opinion

Reds cool Ugarte interest and consider alternatives

Speculation also suggested that PSG put forth the prospect of a loan, but the downside to the deal was that they wanted to include an obligation to buy rather than an option.

Fofana, labelled ‘magnificent’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, played in three matches of France’s Euro 2024 campaign and was an unused substitute in their semi-final defeat to Spain – the eventual winners of the tournament.